FAQ / Horse / Colic

Colic
"How can I prevent my horse from getting colic?"

Colic is a general term for abdominal pain in horses and can occur for various reasons, ranging in severity.
By providing the right conditions, we can reduce the risk of colic. Understanding the risk factors helps minimize the chances of colic occurring. Some key risk factors include:
 
Feed changes -  Introduce feed changes gradually to allow the horse time to adjust to the new diet.
Water  - A horse that drinks insufficient water is at greater risk of impaction colic. Provide free access to fresh water at all times.
Salt - Add salt and/or electrolytes to the horse’s diet to maintain proper balance in the body.
Forage - Horses need to consume large amounts of forage daily. Provide at least 1.5 kg of dry matter per 100 kg of body weight, evenly distributed throughout the day.
Concentrates - Monitor the amount of concentrate feed. A horse's digestive system is not designed to handle large amounts of sugar and starch. 
Pre- and probiotics - Support gut health with a supplement containing prebiotics or probiotics. 
Exercise - Exercise promotes gut function. If a horse is on stall rest due to injury, the risk of colic increases, making it even more critical to follow the other preventive measures—especially forage and water!
Dental health - Poor dental condition can prevent proper chewing, making digestion more difficult. 
Parasites - Perform regular fecal tests and deworm when necessary. Be extra cautious in the days following deworming, as colic risk may be higher.
Sand - Sand accumulation in the intestines can cause colic. Prevent this by avoiding ground feeding and ensuring the horse has access to alternative enrichment to keep it from ingesting sand.

Stay alert! Never delay contacting a veterinarian if colic is suspected.

Read more about colic at Trikem Academy.